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January 25, 2025

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1995

• Michael Desko Sr., 80, of Belle Vernon, is thankful that the “Lord gave me good strong hands.” Desko still plays the guitar to entertain local seniors in the Mon Valley as a member of the Good Time Singers and Players. He has been a member of the group for the last 14 years. They play a variety of popular tunes and Desko’s favorites, religious songs. Desko said he finds entertaining people “spiritually uplifting.” He first learned to play the guitar in 1937 and has lived his entire life in the Mid Mon Valley, with the exception of two years in the 1940s when he built B-29 bomber engines in a Cleveland plant Desko.

Cheering for the Jaguars
Latest News, Main
January 17, 2026
Thomas Jefferson cheerleader Ella Innocenti holds up a “J” card during halftime of the Jaguars’ boys basketball game against Peters Township Friday night. Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
Charleroi Area student will finish high school in Belgium
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
January 17, 2026
Finlee Lenhart is a participant in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Next year, Finlee Lenhart won’t be driving to work or heading out with friends after school. Instead, the Charleroi Area High Scho...
McKeesport police land $25K grant
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
January 17, 2026
The money will go toward the purchase of a Utility Terrain Vehicle to help with the response to out-of-the-way calls. State Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-McKeesport, and state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-West Mi...
Mon Valley Cloggers keep traditional dancing alive
Around The Valley, Entertainment, Latest News, ...
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
January 17, 2026
The group is preparing for its upcoming Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day performances. The Mon Valley Cloggers have been dancing and entertaining around the area since 1992. Clogging is a folk da...
Palace Theatre hosting presentation on history of the U.S.
Around The Valley, Entertainment, Latest News, ...
January 17, 2026
“The Unlikely Union: A Storytelling Symphony of America” will be presented for the first time this evening with live musicians on stage. By RENATTA SIGNORINI TribLive The story of the birth of the Uni...
BVA school board to vote on new solicitor
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
January 17, 2026
Some directors were upset about not receiving advance notice of the potential change. Some Belle Vernon Area school board members were taken by surprise this week after it was announced that several b...